Target practice apparatus



March 8, I932. E. R. NIER 1,343,795

- TARGET PRACT-ICE APPARATUS s Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 8. 1930 f. IZJI Ir March 8, 1932. E. R. NlER TARGET PRACTICE APPARATUS Filed 001.. 8. 193

3' Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Mar. 8:, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ERNST RICHARD-mm, OF IN SACHSEN, GERMANY TARGET-PRACTICE APPARATUS Application fiIed'October 8, 1930, Serial No. 487,338, and in Germany August 20, 1930.

This invention relates to a target-practice apparatus of the kind wherein a dummy rifle is used for aiming at a projected light image of a perforable diapositive representing a target, the rifle-being mounted on a carrier frame which is capable of adjustment about a universal joint and which carries a perforating device adapted, on the trigger being pulled, to pierce the target and produce a corresponding effect on the image at the exact spot towards which the rifle is aimed, thereby giving the impression of an actual hit.

The object of the invention is to produce a simple and reliably operating apparatus of this kind, and the invention consists essenprovision of a perforating device adapted to be operated by means of a spring motor. Preferably the movement of the motor is controlled. by an escapement mechanism which is released by means of the trigger and which allows a complete operation of the perforating device at each release, means being provided for winding the motor, if desired, sufliciently for the firing of several shots in succession. The winding may be eifected either direct or through the medium of a slide fitted in,the rifle. In the latter instance one operation of the slide is required for each shot.

In the accompanying drawings an embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example,

tially in the Fig. 1 representing a side view of the com-- plete device,

Fig. 2, a sectional side view of the device on an enlarged scale,

Fig. 3, a horizontal section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4, a horizontal section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 5, a vertical section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4,

Fig. 6, a verticalsection on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4,

Fig. 7, of Fig. 2,

Fig. 8, a vertical section on the line 8-8 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 9, a view of stock, and

a vertical section on the line 7-7 a modified form of gunby the dummy rifle and operated on the pulling of the trigger so as to pierce the target and produce a corresponding efi'ect on the image at the exact spot towards which the rifle is aimed.

The firearm is represented in Fig. 1 by full lines as a pistol and by dotted lines as a rifie' and will be referred to hereinafter as a rifle. The barrel 11, which is fitted in the usual manner with sights 12 and 13, is slipped or screwed into the end ofa cylinder 14, said cylinder and the barrel being detachably connected to the gunstock 16 forming the butt 15.

The rifle is. mounted on the upright member of a carrier frame composed of two spaced elbow plates 18. Enlargements 17 at the upper ends of the plates form a casing which is accommodated in a slit in the gunstock and which is closed at the top by the cylinder 14.

In the illustrated device, the cylinder 14 contains a cylindrical slide 20 having a closed end 19. An operatincr handle 22 is connected at right angles to t e slide and projects through a slot 21 in the cylinder 14, the extent of movement of the slide being limited to that of the handle in the slot.

The casing 17 contains a' double-armed lever 29 which rocks about a ivot 28 and which is connected at one end y means of a pin 26 and a slot 27 to a trigger 24 so that it can be rocked by means of the latter, the trigger being mounted on a pivot 25. The opposite end of the lever 29 is connected to a rod 30 which is brought up between the upright members of the frame 18 and which cooperates with the trigger for releasing an escapement mechanism whereby the operation of a spring motor is controlled.

The spring motor is mounted in the elbow of the frame 18 and comprises a coil spring 31 arranged in a barrel 32 which is rotatable a projecfor the next about a. shaft 33. One end of the spring is connected to the barrel and the other to a spring core 37 secured to the shaft 33. The spring barrel is moved by the spring action and its movements are controlled by the escapement mechanism which comprises two wheels 34 and 35 of different diameters secured to each other and to the spring barrel or formed integrally with the latter. The smaller wheel 34 is formed with ratchet teeth 41, and the larger wheel 35 isprovided with pins 42 which overhang the ratchet wheel 34,

the pins being in a staggered position relative to the ratchet teeth. A radially movable stop 36 is adapted to co-operate alternately with the pins and with the ratchet teeth. This stop is connected to a plate 39 carried at the lower end of the rod 30 so as to be operated by means of the latter. A spring 38 on the rod tends to hold the stop in engagement with the ratchet wheel. On the the trigger being pulled, the stop is raised so as to release the ratchet wheel and allow the spring barrel to move. position of the stop it serves as an abutment pin 42 which thus limits the movement of the barrel. On the trigger being released, the stop descends under the influence of the spring and engages the next ratchet tooth. A bracket 40 secured to the carrier frame, forms a guide and lateral support for the stop.

-The motor is wound up by means of the shaft 33 for which purpose the shaft can naturally be turned direct in known manner. In the illustrated device, however, the wind in is effected by means of the slide 20 and the handle 22. Connected to the handle inside the cylindrical slide 20' is a flexible draught element 23, preferably in the form of a steel band. This band passes through slots in the slide and in the cylinder 14 and is guided on a deflecting pulley 44 mounted on a pivot 43 in the casing 17. The lower endof the band is connected by screws 46 to the circumference of a drum 45 which is rotatably mounted on the shaft 33 and controlled by a spring 50. A pawl 47'on, the drum is pressed by a spring 48 against the face of a ratchet wheel 49 which is secured The latter has the same number of teeth as the ratchet wheel 34 of the spring barreL' On the slide 20 being operated, the drum 45 is rotated and advances the ratchet wheel 49 through one tooth space, and the shaft 33 which participates inthe movement. and winds the spring 31, is retained in advance position by a detent pawl 54 which co-operates for this purpose with a ratchet wheel 51 secured to the shaft. The pawl 54 is controlled by a spring 52 and rocks about a' pivot 53 connected to the frame 18.-

The winding up of the spring motor and its running down is limited by a stop 56 se- In the raised 7 cured to the wheel 35 and by an arm or sector 55 secured to the shaft 33. In winding up the spring motor by operating the slide 20 the drum 45 is oscillated and imparts by means of the pawl and ratchet mechanism 47, 49 an intermittent rotationto the shaft 33 until the arm or sector 55 secured thereto abuts against the stop 56 on the wheel 35 of the spring barrel 32. of the shaft 33 may be restricted by an additional stop 56 or by the employment of sectors 55 of various sizes to allow any desired number of operations of the trigger 24 without the necessity of winding up the spring motor after each shot.. trated, complete winding up of the spring motor permits seven successive shots to be fired. After firing the seventh and last shot the stop 56 abuts against the arm or sector 55 on the shaft 33 and thus prevents further rotation of the spring barrel 32.

The transmission of motion from the spring motor to the perforating device is effected by means of the toothed wheel 58 engaging a pinion 60 mounted on a shaft 59, pinion and shaft being adapted to make a complete revolution at each operating step of the spring motor. The perforating device comprises an elongated frame 62 which is arranged to rock about a shaft 61 secured to the frame 18. The frame 62 embraces an eccentric sheave 63 secured to the shaft 59 and receives from said shaft a rapid rocking motion on the shaft being rotated by the motor. An arm 92 on the frame 62 is headed to form a hammer and the head has a conical bore 95 for the reception of a perforating needle 93, preferably inthe form of an ordinary talking machine needle. A screw 96, which enters the bore behind the needle, as best shown in Fig. 10, forces the conical portion 94 of the needle into the bore and forms a rigid abutment for the needle during its operation. The needle can easily be exchanged after the removal of thescrew 96.

The upright, rifle supporting member of" 18 is brought up from a In the arrangement illus-' The range ofrotation of the lower horizontal frame member. The

two plates of the member are connected by means of screws 67 to bridge pieces 68 and 69 wherein a vertical shaft 70 is rotatably mounted. Co-axial trunnions 71 secured at right angles to said shaft engage in a horizontal ring 72, and this ring is held by trunnions 73, arranged at right angles to the trunnions 71, in a fork 74 secured to a screw spindle 75. The latter passes through an aperture in the wall of the casing 64 and is secured to the latter by means of clamping and locking nuts 7 7 and 78, the casing wall shaft extension 79. The

' of an being reinforced by a plate 76 which ensures a rlgid support for the carrier frame.

A vertical elongated aperture 83 in the plate 76 and in the casing wall admits a clamp screw 84 whiclfis fitted with a milled heaHffand hich secures to the wall a bracket 82. A horizontal member 81 on said bracket has-a slit 80 which is situated vertically abovethe centre of the universal joint. A reduced extension 79 of the shaft 70 is adapted to engage in this lit and fits it snugly so that, while the sh ft can turn inthe slit and oscillate therein in a vertical plane, it prevents lateral tilting of the carrier frame and of the rifle. When this restriction of the rifle movement is not' required, the bracket 82 is raisedand secured in a position where it is out of reach of the plate 76 is provided with a vertical guide rib 86 whereby the bracket 82 is maintained with the slit 80 in 'a proper vertical position relative to the centre of the universal joint. When the guide bracket 82 is not inuse, the aiming operation, as regards freedom of movement of the rifle, is substantially identical with that ordinary rifle and provides eflicient target practice.

The casing 64 is provided, at both sides of the carrier frame, with spaced guide braf'kets 87 and 88 which, in co-operation wit 1 also with the frame itself, restrict the move- .ment of the frame to the limits required for aiming. When the rifle is not in use, the carrier frame rests by means of the brackets 89 011 the brackets 88. The brackets may, if required, be provided with a covering of soft material adapted to absorb shocks.

The upper part of the carrier frame, from the gunstock to within the casing 64, is enclosed in a casing 90 whereby the mechanism is concealed. The casin 90 is connected to the casing 17 and may e tions. The lower end of the casing 90 carries, inside the casing 64, a wide flange 91 whereby access to the interior of the casing 64 through the opening 66 is prevented. This flange, which may be perforated for ventilation urposes, is situated at a sulficient-distance rom the casing cover to allow the necessary movements of the rifle.

, The projection apparatus comprises a light source 104, a condenser 105, an objective 106, a slide carrier 99, and a guide frame 107 for the latter, frame and carrier being provided with gates 103 for the projection of the target 97. The latter consists,=in known manner, of a perforable diapositive made of celluloid or the like. It is provided either with concentric ringsor with other suitable target images. The target is mounted on a supporting slide'9,8 which may be made of cardboard or the like and formed with an aperture over which the target is stretched and a bracket 89 secured to the frame and made in two sec- -form* 108.

pasted in position so as 'to-be able to with stand th eoperation of the The carrier 99 projects through an aperture 100 in the side wall 101 of the casing 64 or in a door 102 and allows the slide 98 to be readily inserted and subsequently withdrawn for checking purposes or for being carried away as a souvenir." In the inner end position of the slide and of the carrier, the target is centered relative to the optic axis of the projecting apparatus and is in position to be perforated by the needle 93 on the frame 62 being rocked.

The projection apparatus is mounted 'on a platform 108 which is suspended by means of a stirrup 112 and co-axial pivots 111 in a bearing bracket 110 secured to the bottom 109 of the casing'64. The frame 107 is secured to the stirrup 112, and the pivots 111 are substantially-in alignment with the centre of the gate 103 or with the target slide.

The light source consists of an electric lamp which is fitted in a holder 113 in the platform 108, the flexible electric wire 114 being led in through an. aperture 115 in the bottom 109 of the casing 64.

A reflector 116 is arranged behind the lamp, and a screen 117 of heat insulating material is arranged so as to embrace the lamp and reflector.

The lense mount 118 of the condenser. 105 secured to a supporting bracket 119 which platform 108 by means of whereby it is mounted, so as to be adjustable in the direction at axis, on a slide 139 148 engaging longitudinal slots 147 in the platform 108 is adjustable in a direction parallel to the optic axis. A transverse rail 149 secured in place by means ofthe pins 148 is provided with an elevated edge 150 beneath which the bracket member 132 is guided in its adjustment. vA spindle 135 is supported in the upright bracket member 122 and in a lug 133, which is turned up from the member 132, and is fitted with a pinion 136 which engages a rack 137. The latter is rigidly supported on the slide 139 and will therefore cause the objective to be transversely adjusted on the spindle being rotated. The spindle projects through an aperture 138 in the front wall of the casing 64 and is fitted with a milled operating knob 134, l I

The slide 139 has a down-turned lug 142 which is reinforced by a-pla'te 143 whereby it is guided in a longitudinal slit 144 in the plat- Lug and plate are drilled and screw-threaded for engagement with a screwspindle 140 which passes through a casin 123 carried at the under side of the platform.

right angles to the optic perforating needle.

105. which by means of pins The spindle is controlled by a spring 146 situtact with the target and pierce it ated inside the casing 123 and by a cross pin 145 passing through the spindle outside the casing and causes, on rotation, an adjustment of the slide 139 and the objective in the direction of the optic axis. The spindle projects through the front-wall of the casing 64 and is fitted with a milled operating knob 141.

The platform itself is controlled and adjusted by means of a vertical screw spindle 124 which passes through a pair of brackets 128 and through a large nut 127 situated between the brackets and formed with a milled edge 125. The brackets are secured by means of a base plate 129 to the bottom 109 of the casing 64. The upper end of the screw spindle engages by means of a pivot 131 in a slit 130 in the casing 123 and th us maintains the platform in a given position. The nut 127 projects through an aperture 126 in the front wall of the casing andcan therefore readily be turned for moving. the front end of the platform up and down, thereby regulating the inclination of the optic axis in its vertical plane.

Owing to this adjustability of the projection apparatus,

the focussing of the image, the adjustment thereof as regards size and distance, and the positioning of the image relative to the rifle so that the aim of the latter co-incides with the perforation made by the needlein the target, can be easily effected. The positioning of the image relative to the rifle is particularly facilitated by the pivotal suspension of the platform which allows the inclination of the optic axis to be varied without affecting the relationship of the perforating device to the miniature target. Normally the perforating needle 93 remains outside the light cone which is projected through an opening 57 in the front wall of the casing 64 on to a wall or screen which thus receives the image of the target. After the winding up of the motor by means of the handle 22 or otherwise, use, and as the trigger 24 is pulled the escape- In'ent mechanism releases the motor and causes the perforating needle to snap into conand immediately to return to its initial position. This operation is too rapidto be perceived with the eye. The piercing of the target will have a corresponding effect on the image and give the impression as if the projection screen had actually been hit by a bullet.

The penetration of the needle through the target can be varied by adjusting the screw spindle 75, which carries the universal joint in the front wall. of the casing. The brackets 87, 88 and 89 restrict themovements of the rifle and of the carrier frame. The needle movement will be similarly restricted, and the needle will be prevented from digging into the slide of the carrier.

In order to enable the apparatus to be the rifle is ready for bled and replaced by a rifle.

153 carried by the frame 107 and is operated, through the medium of friction ears 154, 155 or by means of conical gears, y a

spring motor arranged under the platform 108 on the bottom 109 of the casing 64. The platform has an aperture 156 through which the friction gear 155 is admitted.

The spring motor consists in known manner of a spring accommodated in a barrel 157 and mounted together with the latter'on a shaft 158. Suitable gears transmit motion from the spring barrel to a shaft 159 on which the friction gear movement being controlled by a governor 160.- The motor is wound up by means of'a crank handle 161 which, as shown in Fig. 3,

is admitted through an aperture in the worm gearing 163, 164 connects the shaft 162 with the shaft 158 whereby the spring is wound.

For regulating the speed of the motor and 'shown in Fig. 7, mounted on a resilient carrier 167 which tends to keep the arm out of contact with the brake disc. A suitably mounted screw spindle 168, which projects through the casing 64 and is fitted outside the casing with an actuating knob 169, acts by axial displacement on the brake arm carrier 167 and presses the brake arm 165 with greater or less force against the brake disc, thereby regulating the speed of the motor.

Proper engagement between the friction 155 is mounted, the

' casing 64 for application to a shaft 162. A

gears 154, 155 in the variouspositions occupied by the platform 108, is ensured by the provision on the shaft 159 of a spring 170 which bears at one endv against a collar or cross pin on the shaft and at the other end against a friction gear 155, the latter bein slidably feathered on the shaft.

The pistol shown by full lines in'Fig. 1

may, as previously explained, be disassem- For this "purpose the gunstock 16 is provided with a longitudinal slit for the reception of the casing 17 and with a groove for the acommodation of the barrel (Figs. 1, 8 and 9). The open front end of the slit is closed by a filling piece 171 which'is secured by means ofa screw 172. The latter also secures the barrel and fixes the pistol in position onthe I carrier frame.

On the removal of the fastening between I the gunstock 16 and the casing 17 and that between the filling piece 171 and the gunstock and the barrel, the shaft and filling piece may be detached and replacedby the gunstock 175 of the rifle. This gunstock has also a slit 175 which accommodates the casing 17 and the barrel .174 as well as the filling piece 176.

After the pistol barrel has been replaced by a rifle barrel 174, the gunstock 175 can be slipped on to the casing 17 under the cylinder 14 and secured like the of the filling piece'176.

I wish it to be distinctly understood, that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions shown, variations in the arrangement pistol by means and combination of the several parts being possible according to desire or requirement Without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the invention.

What I do claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A target-practice apparatus of the character described comprising a projection apparatus, a perforable slide in said apparatus representing a target, a frame. supported above said projection apparatus and adjustable about a universal joint, a dummy rifle mounted rigidly on said frame in position to be aimed at a projected light image of said target, a'perforating device carried by said frame and operable for perforating said slide at a point corresponding to that of the image towards which the rifle is aimed, a spring motor in the frame for operating said perforating device, a pawl and ratchet device for winding the motor, a slide on the rifle, a connection between said slide and the pawl and ratchet device for operating the latter, a trigger on the dummy rifle, and means cooperating with said trigger for causing said motor to operate.

a 2. A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pawl and ratchet device is operable to wind the motor for one operation of the perflorating device for each reciprocation of the s ide.

3. The structure claimed in claim 1 in combination with checking means for the motor allowing of several successive windings before the perforating device is operated.

4. A structure as claimed in claim 1 Where-' vtachably secured target, a perforating device carried by said frame and operable for perforatingsaid slide at a point corresponding to that of the image towards which the rifle is aimed, a spring motor in the frame for operatingsaidperforating device, means for-winding the motor, an

escapement mechanism controlli'ng'the operation of the motor, a trigger on the rifle, and connection between the trigger and said escapement mechanism foroperating the latter.

6. A structure as claimed in claim 5 wherein the escapement mechanismcomprises a pair of inter-connected co-axial wheels of different diameters; the smaller wheel being formed the trigger comprising a longitudinally reciprocative, spring controlled rod carrying said stop, and a lever transmitting motion from the trigger to the rod.

7. A structure as claimed in claim 5 where-' in the motor is adapted to effect a complete operation of the perforating device during each operation of'the escapement mechanism.

8. A structure as claimed in claim 5 wherein the perforating device comprises a rocking frame and wherein the operative connection between the motor and the perforating device comprises an eccentric sheave which engages and rocks said rocking frame, and a pinion transmitting motion between the motor and the sheave, said pinion adapted to make a complete revolution during each operation of the escapement mechanism.

9. A structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the perforating device comprises a rocking frame, an eccentric operated bythe motor for rocking said frame, a hammer carried by said frame,

I to s id hammer.

10. The structure claimed in claim 1 in combination with means allowing the frame support to be adjusted for regulating the position of the perforating mechanism relative to the target slide. Y

11. The structure claimed in claim 1 in combination with a vertical shaft connected to the frame in alignment with the point about which the frame is adjustable, and a rigidly supported. vertically adjustable fork, said fork adapted in. one position to engage said shaft and prevent lateral tilting of the frame about said point. 12. The structure claimed in claim 1 in combination with a platform carrying the pro ection apparatus, a pivotal suspension and a perforating pin defor said platform allowing adjustment thereof for regulating the angular position of the optic axis in its vertical plane, and means 1 13. The structure claimed in claim 1 in combination with a platform carrying the projection apparatus, a pivotal suspension for said platform allowing adjustment there- 5 of for regulating the angular position of the optic axis in its vertical plane about an axis which is substantially in alignment with the centre of the target slide, and means for adjusting the platform and for maintaining 1 it in adjusted position.

14. The structure claimed in claim 1 in combinationwith a platform carrying the projection apparatus, a pivotal suspension for said platformallowing adjustment thereof for regulating the angular position of the optic axis in its vertical plane, a screw spindle for adjusting the platform, a milled nut on said spindle, and a guide holding said nut stationary in place. I

2Q, 15. The structure claimed in claim 1 in- {combination with a platform carrying the projection apparatus, a pivotal suspension for said platform allowingadjustment thereof for regulating the angular position of the optic axis in its vertical lane, a lens mount for the objective of sai projection apparatus arranged to slide on said platform in the direction ofthe optic axis, and a'screw spindle foradjusting said lens mount.

16. The structure claimed in claim 1 in combination with a platform carrying the projection apparatus, a pivotal suspension for said platform allowing adjustment there-- of in avertical plane, cross slides on said platform carrying the objective of said projection apparatus, and spindles for adjusting said cross slides. 1 v

17 The structure claimedin claim 1'in combination yvith means for imparting a '40 rocking to and fro motion to the target slide in its own plane.

18. The structureclaimed in claim 1 in combination with a movable slidecarrier for the projection apparatus, an eccentric on cam for imparting a rocking to and fromotion to saidcarrier in'the plane of the target slide I and means-for transmitting motion to said eccentric or cam.

19. The structure claimed in claim 1 in combination with a platform carrying the projection apparatus, a carrier forthe targetslide movable in the plane of said slide, an eccentric or cam for imparting a rocking t0 and from motion to said carrier, a spring motor mounted under said platform, a fric- 'tion gear transmitting motion from the motor to the eccentric or cam, and means for regulating the speed of said motor.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed I my name this 17th day of September,'1930.

ERNST RICHARD NIER. 

